Darren Frost and Lisa Baker’s path to their upcoming comedy show at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club on Jan. 24 has had plenty of twists and turns.
Frost grew up in nearby Brantford watching the legendary Johnny Carson and David Letterman, but it was stand up that always drew him in.
During his childhood he remembers making a pact with his parents, he’d go and get his business degree with the caveat that if his comedy career took off he could pursue it.
“I earned a degree in marketing from Brock University,” Frost said.
“Then I started selling advertising in Kitchener and Waterloo.”
Beginning in 1995 his comedy gigs started to pick up and he quit his day job to pursue his passion, just like the deal with his parents stipulated.
And after 32 years of being on the comedy scene he’s making a stop in Cambridge for the adult Beauty and the Beast Show.
Frost and Baker had crossed paths a number of times in their careers and had performed in the same events in the past.
Baker, who was born in St. John's, Nfld., had a scheduled show at the Newfoundland Club late last year but before she was able to board her flight from Labrador, she had car trouble and was stranded for two weeks waiting for a part.
To make matter worse, the show had sold out.
“It was a big date and important date for her,” Frost said.
“Lisa said to me ‘I have to get to the Newfoundland Club’ and that’s why were doing it there. It’s almost like a makeup date from last year. We’ve already sold more than half the tickets for Tuesday night and we have some time to go. If you know anything about people from Newfoundland, they love to support their own.”
The goal of the show is not only to entertain the crowd, but it’s also opening the door for local comics Tige Wright and Nathan Teixeira to build their resumes and make a name for themselves.
Giving back is something that’s very important to both Frost and Baker.
“Some comics believe time is important and they can’t give up any time on stage,” he said.
“Lisa will be headlining and I’ll be hosting this show but there will be locals doing some sets. It feels good to give them an opportunity to play in front of a paying crowd. Comics gave back to me and I benefited from this kind of help so it’s important to both Lisa and I to give back to locals.”
Frost, who has also done voices for television characters in Total Drama Rama and Ranger Rob on Teletoon and appeared in movies including Hairspray, Don’t Say a Word and Fever Pitch, loves the feel of smaller venues and expects a packed house full of enthusiastic fans.
After doing free and paid shows all over during his career, he’s happy to be able to continue to live out the dream he had as a young boy.
“For me, I found I get the biggest pop and excitement in smaller markets and you’ll never meet a more appreciate crowd than people from Newfoundland,” he said.
“When you're a little kid you don’t dream about being an astronauts for the money, you think about how cool it is. That’s what this is like for me.”
